Regular television broadcasts in the United Kingdom started in 1936 as a public service which was free of advertising, while the introduction of television and the first tests commencing in 1927. Currently, the United Kingdom has a collection of free-to-air, free-to-view and subscription services over a variety of distribution media
Do I need a TV licence ?
The law says you need to be covered by a TV Licence to:
- watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel
- watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, etc.)
- download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer.
This applies to any device you use, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.
Helpful links
- The basics – how to watch for free
- How to beat Sky price hikes
- TV money saving tricks
- Watch movies and TV online
- Top subscription streaming services
Freeview
Take a look at some of the new and trending shows on Freeview
Maybe you are planning a cosy film night at home, you may want to take a look at what movies are available on Freeview
If you are looking for some light entertainment, take a look at some of the comedy box sets you can watch for free on Freeview
Maybe you enjoy crime and drama programmes, if so take a look at the crime and drama section on Freeview
Here you will find some great reality tv shows, that can be found on Freeview
Escape reality with Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows on Freeview
If you are a sports fan, you can enjoy some of the biggest sporting events on Freeview
If you are looking for inspiration in the kitchen or some creative recipes from your favourite celebrity chefs? Take a look at the food and cooking programmes that are available on Freeview
If you are looking for inspiration, Freeview has a wealth of property, interiors, and garden programmes for you to enjoy.
Music fans can see the very best of music and arts available on Freeview
If you are looking for inspiration, Freeview has a wealth of property, interiors, and garden programming for you to enjoy.
Loads of fun for the Kids, on kids TV, on Freeview
Find all your favourite shows, all in one place and all for free on Freeview
Find the biggest shows live and on demand, which are all in one place and all for free with Freeview Play, where you will find over 30,000 hours of on demand entertainment.
Take a look what’s on Freeview Play.
Netflix
Netflix is a streaming service that offers a wide variety of award-winning TV programmes, films, documentaries and more, on thousands of internet-connected devices.
It is a subscription-based streaming service that allows members to watch TV shows and movies without commercials on an internet-connected device.
Frequently asked questions about Netflix
Weekly global and country lists of the most popular titles on Netflix
Watch unlimited films, TV programmes and more
What’s new on Netflix
BBC iPLAYER
BBC iPlayer is a video on demand service from the BBC. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including mobile phones and tablets, personal computers and smart televisions. iPlayer services delivered to UK-based viewers feature no commercial advertising.
Watch BBC1 live
Watch dramas and soaps
A guide to all the very best BBC dramas available to stream on iPlayer right now.
How do I get BBC iPlayer?
On your mobile, tablet or computer, open your internet browser and go here where it will give you the option to sign in, or to register if you don’t already have an account.
Most smart TVs will also have BBC iPlayer available as an app
ITV
ITV is a British free-to-air television network. It was launched in 1955 as Independent Television to provide competition to BBC Television. ITV is the oldest commercial network in the UK.
Watch live
Full series
TV Guide
TV Guide and Listings for all UK TV channels; BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Freeview, Sky, Virgin Media and more. Find out what’s on TV tonight here.
News
TV comedy shows
- Michael McIntyre is an English comedian, writer and television presenter. In 2012, he was the highest-grossing stand-up comedian in the world
- Not Going Out is a British television sitcom that has aired on BBC One since 2006, currently starring Lee Mack and Sally Bretton
- Would I lie to you is an hilarious show where celebrities reveal unusual facts and tell embarrassing stories (some of the stories are true and some are not)
- Gogglebox is an hilarious show where a camera records the laughter and comments of the people sitting in front of a television set.
- Jimmy Carr hosts a panel game, called 8 out of 10 cats, based on statistics and opinion polls produced by a number of organisations.
Soap operas
EastEnders is a British soap opera created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland which has been broadcast on BBC One since 1985. Set in Albert Square in the East End of London in the fictional borough of Walford, the programme follows the stories of local residents and their families as they go about their daily lives.
Coronation Street is the world’s longest-running television soap, it focuses on the everyday lives of working-class people in Manchester, England. The world’s longest-running television soap, Coronation Street focuses on the everyday lives of working-class people in Manchester, England.
Hollyoaks is a British soap opera which began airing on Channel 4 on 23 October 1995. It was created by Phil Redmond, who had previously conceived the soap opera Brookside. The programme is set in the fictional village of Hollyoaks, a suburb of Chester, and is filmed at Lime Pictures in Liverpool’s Childwall suburb.
Emmerdale is an ITV soap based in the Yorkshire Dales, and used to be called Emmerdale Farm. It follows the daily lives of people in a fictional village in the Yorkshire Dales. It has been praised for its huge storylines including the 1993 plane crash and the live episode to mark its 40th anniversary in 2012.
